iPhone owners can choose almost any smartwatch – over 99% of models on sale are compatible with them. They can also enjoy proprietary Apple Watch gadgets that are not available on Android smartphones. In this review, we have collected the 10 best smartwatches for iPhone in all price ranges.
The list includes gadgets from Honor, Huawei, Samsung, Xiaomi and Apple. For each model, the most important technical characteristics are presented, and we also described the pros and cons identified during the use of smart watches.
Fitness bracelet for iPhone - fashion for health
The era when representatives of the fairer sex valued a certain rebellion in men, indifference to public opinion and other qualities that betrayed such a “bad guy” is gradually fading into oblivion. Now there is a real fashion for a healthy lifestyle, as well as everything that comes with it. This is not surprising, because seeing next to you a person who takes care of himself and his body is much more pleasant than some elderly rocker in a leather jacket and with a bottle of beer. The comparison is, of course, a little schematic, but the message of the statement is quite clear.
Naturally, a sports lifestyle presupposes the presence of certain gadgets, which, although not essential, are of unconditional benefit and convenience. Accessories such as smart fitness bracelets are real recent know-how in the field of sports life.
Fitness bracelets are put on a person’s hand in the pulse area, monitoring the work of the heart. Seeing the readings of the device, a person can independently decide to reduce the load, or change the intensity of training, which significantly increases their effectiveness and also reduces the load on the body.
This is far from the only function that a smart bracelet or, as it is also called, a fitness tracker, performs. There are quite a lot of different models with certain functionality built into their system. Accordingly, they all have their own characteristics and differences, which form their individuality.
In order for you to appreciate them fully, I will try to make a certain comparison of the bracelets, indicating their main “features” and purpose.
Huawei Watch 3
Review price: $432 / £349.99.
The Huawei Watch 3 is a smartwatch with a price range that puts it in line with Apple's top-end watches, but still contains many of the software features included in Huawei's more affordable Watch GT 3 series, which we discussed above.
The main thing here is that Huawei's new Harmony operating system is running the software show. This gives the watch an app store, Huawei's Celia voice assistant, and the ability to use LTE for unlimited access. You won't get this LTE option on the GT 3, so that's a key difference between the two Huawei smartwatches.
It's also great for sports tracking with GPS, heart rate monitoring with fatigue and training load information for serious trainers. On the health side, it also covers temperature, stress and SpO2 tracking, as well as 24/7 activity tracking.
Battery life is 2 to 4 days in Super Power mode, which actually retains a lot of features and you still get about 10 to 14 days depending on usage.
It's all wrapped in high quality stainless steel with the option of leather and metal straps. While Harmony OS still needs some work, what's there now is impressive, and with Huawei's solid sports tracking skills on board, the Watch 3 is a good-looking and reliable performer worth considering. You get more luxurious materials and improved smartwatch capabilities to make it a reliable option.
Buy Huawei Watch 3 on Amazon
Bracelets with alarm clock and heart rate monitor
A fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor will not only help you control your heartbeat, but will also wake you up in the morning. Of course, the alarm clock is a very controversial thing, many hate it because it forces us to get out of a cozy and warm bed, going to work and other matters, but, you see, it is simply a necessary device. And if you consider that the design of such a bracelet contains not an ordinary alarm clock, but a smart one, then this seems to be an additional advantage.
Many of you may be surprised to think that I am exaggerating when I call the alarm clock “smart.” We are all accustomed to the fact that he makes his unpleasant sounds that awaken us at a strictly defined time, which we ourselves set.
This device operates in a slightly different way. While you are sleeping, the alarm clock carries out full monitoring of your postures, determines the phases of sleep, etc. Then, he himself determines the moment when to work, having studied the state of your body, or rather, the degree to which you have rested.
At the same time, there is not an unpleasant tinkling sound, but only a soft and relaxed vibration. Of course, if you need to get up at a strictly defined time, then you should not rely on such an alarm clock, but the functionality of the device itself deserves increased attention.
TicWatch Pro 3
Review price: $299.99 / £289.99.
Google's Wear OS platform is going through a big change right now, which means some watches are being left behind. But the TicWatch Pro 3 won't be left behind—and for us, it's the best Wear OS smartwatch you can buy right now.
It was one of the first smartwatches to run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform, which appears to be key to making sure it can run the new version of Wear made by Google and Samsung.
Right now, however, it still runs on Wear OS 2, but with a combination of Mobvoi's own apps and UI elements, it doesn't feel tedious or painful to use like some other Wear OS watches.
You still get a 47mm round watch that offers features like notification support, watch faces, NFC for payments, Google Play Store access, and a speaker and microphone to give you the most comprehensive Wear experience outside of Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (Android only).
Mobvoi offers a variety of sports, wellness and health monitoring options with GPS, heart rate and SpO2 sensors on board, as well as the ability to monitor noise and keep a close eye on stress.
Battery life in full smartwatch mode is only a few days, but that's better than most Wear watches can last. It also uses a dual-layer display that can help extend battery life by switching to a basic low-power FSTN monochrome screen that can display the time with statistics such as heart rate and step count.
We did have some initial complaints about the sport tracking performance, but it seems to have improved over time. It's a showcase of how good Wear can be, and hopefully we won't have to wait long to see Wear OS 3 on it too.
Check out our TicWatch Pro 3 review.
Blood pressure tracker
There are fitness bracelets equipped not only with a heart rate monitor, but also with a device that measures a person’s blood pressure. Of course, such a mechanism cannot be considered a full replacement for a tonometer, because it may have a fairly large measurement error, but it was not originally planned as a medical device. However, it cannot be said that this is an absolutely useless function in the bracelet, because it allows you to determine the minimum and maximum blood pressure values, and this is very important during physical activity.
Such bracelets can also read other information related to medical topics. In particular, they determine the percentage of adipose tissue in the human body, sugar level, breathing rate, etc. However, the accuracy of these measurements should not mislead you - it is quite approximate.
Garmin Vivomove 3
Price as reviewed: $219.99 / £219.99.
Like the Steel HR below, the Vivomove 3 is a sporty hybrid that packs a ton of features. The Garmin Hybrid is available in men's and women's versions and is available in Luxe and Style versions, raising the price to $319.99/£319.99.
Its distinguishing feature is the sleek and unobtrusive display that appears on the watch face when you press it. On this screen you can see a range of information, including fitness tracking data, resting heart rate and smartphone notifications, and it will even let you check your stress levels.
If you care about battery life, that's fine too, offering 5 days in watch mode where it used to be weeks for earlier Vivomove models. Overall, though, it's an enjoyable watch to live with that offers a good halfway point between a full-fledged smartwatch and something that feels like a good sports smartwatch.
Check out our full Garmin Vivomove 3 review.
Fitness bracelet with pedometer
Most smart bracelets have a step counting function, which allows you to create individual training systems and weight loss programs. Special sensors record the number of steps you took, as well as how many calories were burned as a result. At the same time, the person himself sets the daily norm that needs to be achieved. As soon as the result is achieved, your bracelet happily reports this using a special signal. If you are lazy, then the bracelet reminds you of itself - it emits a vibration, as if hinting to you that you are lazy and not completing tasks.
Huawei Watch GT2e
Review price: $169/£159.
We've been talking about the newer Huawei Watch 3 and Watch GT3, and while the Watch GT2e is older and hasn't been replaced by the Watch GT 3e yet, we still think it offers a lot of the same great features for a fraction of the price.
Thanks to its sportier look, it is a great alternative to the Apple Watch due to its 14-day battery life, which is the main concern of Apple smartwatches.
It boasts a rich 1.39-inch AMOLED display, and many people find smartwatches with a round screen much more attractive on the wrist than square devices.
It doesn't skimp on features either. Sports fans are especially supported with a range of sport profiles, including swimming (thanks to 5ATM water resistance), cycling and a great running experience. This is thanks to a variety of metrics, as well as Firstbeat's VO2 Max and recovery statistics.
The big drawback was the lack of third-party support, but Huawei decided to open this up to developers, and there is already one fitness app that works well with it. Hopefully we'll see Strava and LifeSum come on board, but there are no guarantees.
Sleep tracking is also excellent, and while it's not as informative or comprehensive as Fitbit, the data was in the same park.
And after some initial delays in bringing the GT2e to the US, it's now available in regular retailers for around £159.99, and regularly sells for even less.
Read our Huawei Watch GT2e review.
How to connect a fitness bracelet to iPhone
In general, absolutely all fitness bracelets work with two types of electronic devices - a smartphone or a computer. In the current era, when the iPhone has ceased to be a luxury item, but has become a completely ordinary gadget that almost everyone carries - from a teenager studying at school to a respectable businessman with a couple of oil rigs.
Fitness bracelets for iPhone operate according to the following principle. The fitness tracker contains special sensors that record certain parameters of human activity. After that, they transmit this information via Bluetooth to a special mobile application installed on the iPhone. Of course, you must first download and install it so that you can manage all the functionality included in the smart bracelet.
After installing the application, you must configure the basic parameters on it, indicating the goals that must be fulfilled during the day. The bracelet itself will display a time indicator or other information about the current process.
Your iPhone will display absolutely all the statistics of your activities for the day: what kind of loads you exerted yourself, how many distances you covered, how many calories were burned, as well as how much sleep you got and how quality of that sleep was. In fact, this is the same fitness trainer who analyzes your performance and then determines your training program to help maintain your body in normal condition.
Another similarity to a full-fledged coach will be the constant motivation you have to take action. Of course, the trainer in the gym does this more convincingly (sometimes even with physical assault), but the reminder from the bracelet also forces you to speed up the pace, move more, etc.
Connecting Honor band 4 and iOS application
Another common option for fitness watches is the Honor band. It also has a large number of positive reviews among users and is a competitor to the previously described products. To connect your device to your phone, you need two things:
- activation of Bluetooth version 4.2;
- launching the Huawei Health application.
It is worth noting that the Huawei Health application works without problems with the Android and iOS operating systems. This program is free and can be easily found on the App Store.
Connecting Honor band via Bluetooth
To connect to the device, you must do the following:
- Go to the Huawei Health program and select “add device”. Looks like a plus icon in the upper right corner.
- Select the “Smart bracelet” subsection.
- Check Honor band.
- Connect the bracelet by clicking the “Pair” button.
- Confirm your consent to connect.
- A list of devices will appear. You must select the correct model.
- Click on the bracelet screen to confirm communication.
If everything is done correctly, the message “Completed” will appear.
Translation into the required language and local time occurs automatically. The user will need to go through the app update process on the bracelet.
If the connection fails, you can take the following actions:
- Define a different location in the VPN app.
- Install other software that matches the IP address.
- Verify that you are using the correct application.
What to choose from?
Manufacturers of smart bracelets are well aware that the vast majority of people use two operating systems on their mobile devices - iOS and Android. It is not surprising that they are trying to make devices that support both operating systems, and not just one. We are more interested in bracelets that synchronize with an iPhone, so the fact that they also support Android is not of decisive importance for us.
So, you are the happy owner of an iPhone and, by luck, you are actively involved in sports. You have an idea in your head to buy a fitness bracelet compatible with your smartphone. Well, the desire is quite understandable, so, with your permission, I will present a kind of rating of such devices, based on the data that I received on the Internet. Naturally, I cannot try them all on in order to make pretentious statements, such as “I experienced it the hard way,” etc. But the data that is publicly available is quite sufficient for a comparative assessment.
Mi band 4 does not receive iOS notifications
The most common problem that users encounter when trying to register and synchronize devices is an interruption in receiving relevant notifications. This can also happen after updating iOS. The phone simply stops seeing notifications.
Fitness apps
To resolve this issue, it is recommended to do the following:
- Go to Mi Fit and open the “Run in background” item.
- Select the operating system that is installed on the user's phone.
- Set permission to autorun.
- Remove restrictions from background activity.
- Go to the desktop and see which applications are active. Mi Fit must be secured in a lock.
If the device does not display incoming calls and SMS messages, you need to make sure that the software can see access to contacts and calls.
What should a fitness bracelet be like - basic requirements
Before moving on to the list of brands, we can highlight several aspects that shape the quality and demand for smart bracelets. There are several of them:
- The output monitoring values must be accurate or have minor errors.
- If possible, the bracelet should be synchronized with several operating systems.
- The device must have a sufficiently powerful battery so that you do not need to be distracted by recharging.
- A mobile application for working with it should be as clear as possible, without unnecessary problems.
- The bracelet must have at least minimal protection from moisture. Of course, only a few models from manufacturers can function fully in water, but at least protection from raindrops or showers should be present.
- The presence of an LED panel where various information is reflected.
- A discreet design, in this case, will be welcome.
What's the result?
We have analyzed the 10 most popular smartwatches that will help make your workouts more effective and your daily activities easier and more comfortable. They will eliminate the need to take your smartphone out of your pocket when you receive another notification. The simplest models have fixed functionality and are affordable. Models from Samsung and Apple have the ability to install third-party applications to expand functionality. The optimal choice for iPhone would be an Apple Watch smartwatch of any model.
Manufacturers of fitness bracelets
The presence of the above points is not mandatory, but if they do exist, then such a fitness bracelet will rightfully claim to be the best in this segment. In general, choosing exactly the best fitness tracker is quite difficult, because there are quite a lot of devices comparable in quality and functionality, so it is quite difficult to give the palm to anyone.
Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet
This device works with iPhone, as well as smartphones that support the Android axis. Among its advantages, I would like to note its elegant appearance, made in black and other colors. Its design is notable for the fact that it will look good on both men and women. In short, a kind of “unisex”.
But such devices are not valued for their appearance. In particular, MiBand can last almost a month without recharging, which is a very respectable indicator. Among its functions there is a pedometer and a sensor for recording calories burned, i.e. those main aspects that characterize a quality fitness bracelet.
In addition, it contains a sleep sensor that allows you to monitor your awakening. There is also protection from moisture, but I still do not recommend swimming with it in deep water for pearls. With all its advantages, its cost is about 1,500 rubles, which is simply a ridiculous price compared to other fitness trackers.
Jawbone bracelet
I would note the Jawbone UP24, which has a laconic design that suits not only a sporty lifestyle, but also a business style. It also contains a pedometer function, calorie counting sensors, in a word, all the essential components of a high-quality fitness bracelet.
There is also a smart alarm system that displays information on the iPhone about how much you slept, at what time, etc. The charge lasts about a week, which is not very long when compared with the previous “Chinese”, but the cost will be much higher - about 5-6 thousand rubles.
In general, as for Chinese fitness bracelets, their quality is becoming higher every year. Despite the fact that we are all accustomed to being very skeptical about Chinese electronics, practice shows that fitness trackers released in the Middle Kingdom are no worse than branded models. I don’t think it’s necessary to mention that despite all this they also cost less. Of course, they cannot be called ideal devices, but in terms of price-quality ratio they will give a head start to any expensive models.
On this thoughtful note, I will end my story today. I hope that my efforts were of at least some interest to you and, what the hell, I helped you at least a little in choosing a fitness bracelet for your iPhone. In principle, any choice is purely individual, so all possible ratings and reviews can only play an introductory role so that a person understands the pros and cons of individual devices. It’s the same story with fitness trackers, so study, read and analyze - this is the only way you can make the right choice.
See you again, friends, on the pages of the project “On the Edge”!
Amazfit GTS 2 Mini
Price as reviewed: $99.99 / £79.99.
There are three different models in the Amazfit GTS 2 range, and while the GTS 2 mini is the cheapest of the 'fashion watch' range, we think it's the one that offers the best value for money.
It still offers a boxy look with a crown-style pusher and an impressively bright 1.55-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 354 x 306 pixels. It lacks the higher quality materials of the more expensive GTS 2, but overall the smartwatch looks nice.
On the smartwatch side, you get basic notification support, music controls, a rich collection of watch faces, and a new, user-friendly Pomodoro watch face for productivity.
When it's time to get into your fitness and sports tracking, there's plenty of GPS, 70 sports modes, a heart rate monitor, 24/7 fitness tracking, and sleep monitoring. In terms of performance, it's a really solid performer, and it's a nice bonus that you can also stream workout data to Strava.
You can expect a week of battery life, and while the other GTS 2 models offer more on paper, we'd say they all offer about the same with all the features used.
It's great value and, crucially, works well as a basic smartwatch, as well as a workout companion. If you want a little more in terms of good looks and additional smartwatch features like a music player, Amazon Alexa, and a standalone voice assistant, you can spend more to buy the Amazfit GTS 2 or the newer Amazfit GTS 3. If you can live without these extras, you will be well served here.
Check out our full Amazfit GTS 2 mini review.
If you want Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Fit (2019)
A little expensive, but not a “Deo Lanos”
In general, this is a completely logical desire if you use a Samsung smartphone. Galaxy Fit will be twice as expensive as the first two models in the top, and the bracelet itself will not have twice as many features. But as I already wrote above, this does not mean that the model is shamelessly overrated and should not be taken under any circumstances.
Firstly, it works perfectly with Samsung smartphones, maximum pleasure – even at the connection stage. Secondly, the Samsung Health platform will give a head start to any budget options; in terms of capabilities it is close to Fitbit, but the device is cheaper. I’m not sure that they can compete in terms of accuracy of readings (for example, Samsung’s sleep monitoring is definitely not very smooth), but it certainly won’t be worse than Xiaomi or Huawei/Honor. The tracker can automatically detect activity, and this is another bonus in the budget segment. The application supports a huge number of types of workouts.
| 2 reasons to buy | 2 reasons not to buy |
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